Greetings all,
I looking for an explanation on the difference between front strut springs, one marked with green paint, the other marked with blue paint.
The blue spring is out of my '97 850 NA, while the green spring is out of my '97 GLT.
Are the "green" springs more "sporty" ?
I'm swapping struts from my dead NA into my running GLT.
Thanks

Volvo probably did this just to confuse color blind folks.

There are multiple sets of springs depending on configuration. The NA cars have softer springs than the low pressure turbo. The 'sport' springs are hard as a rock, usually reserved for the R and high-pressure turbos.

You can look at the product plate, bottom right row with 7 digits. The first 2 are the springs/shocks. If it starts with 1, then it is the 35 46 640 spring, 2 = 35 46 641, 3=35 46 642. Each is progressively harder.

I have contemplated swapping springs from a NA to my turbo wagon. Currently, there is zero nose dive when braking, the rear of the wagon never has a load and feels like riding in a go cart without any suspension - really rough. I do not engage in AutoRX, and seldom exceed 80mph, but occasionally like to take a good corner at speed. A tower brace would help.

When I replaced the rear shocks (they were totally dead) because of rotten mounts, the ride was no different. I supposed I could have driven without shocks, unless I put 200lbs in the rear.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Well, according to my production plate, my spring code for the '97 GLT is "GG".
Do not have any "1,2,3" listed on the VIN plate. bottom right, just GG.
FCP has this info for 850 front springs :

Volvo 3546641 = "BLUE" mark (via SKANDIX) all non-turbo
Volvo 3546642 = "GREEN" mark (via SKANDIX) all turbo's (also marked) 31 35 GG HH
Volvo 3546644 = "BROWN" mark (via SKANDIX) all diesels

I didn't find any different springs listed for the R or T5 turbo's.
It appears that there's just one for all turbo's & just one for all non-turbo's.

Keeping my eye out for a used tower brace.

GG is a 642 spring. The 641 is 'softer'.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

correct ! but the question is, is there a "stiffer" turbo R & T5 spring, or do ALL turbo's have the same spring (green, GG, etc) ??

My 1998 V70R had 'sport' springs, which were stiffer and one inch shorter than the turbo/T5. It also had Nivomats in the rear. I'm not sure if the 850 R had the same set up.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Awesome ! Thanks, just the kind of info I was looking for. I'll check out the production plate info. Seems like the GLT springs are a good middle ground then and I'll swap them over when the weather gets warmer.